The winter clean-up: A manager’s guide to resetting teams and strategy before spring
As winter draws to a close, with the first signs of spring, it gives managers a special chance to embark on what can be called a “winter clean-up”. A mindful restart that readies teams for the final push towards the years end. Just as households tidy up to welcome a new season, managers can use this time to clear out outdated practices, remove operational barriers, and realign their strategic goals for workplace productivity.
1. Clear the clutter- bottlenecks and burnout
Start with an audit of what’s slowing your team down. Are there processes that no longer serve their purpose? Legacy tools that complicate rather than streamline? Outdated workflows are like overloaded filing cabinets – they consume space and energy. Get input from your team: where are things stuck? Effective management involves either simplifying reporting structures with user dashboards or reallocating responsibilities to better suit team strengths and reveal hidden efficiencies.
This time of the year is also when burnout peaks. After a spout of short winter days and long to-do lists, momentum may be depleted. Use this time to check in, not just on output, but on wellbeing. Burnout is a silent bottleneck. Reallocating workloads or simply recognising contributions can reignite motivation and boost productivity.
2. Reassess the goals- refresh your KPIs
KPIs set in January might not reflect mid-year realities. Some targets may have been surpassed; others may now feel irrelevant. Treat this like a closet clean-out: what still fits? What needs tailoring? Which goals should be retired?
Review the goals, for this quarter and adjust them keeping Q4 in perspective while ensuring they reflect the organisations priorities and changes in the market landscape well. Consider any shifts, in customer behaviour or competitive strategies to realign your performance metrics accordingly. You could also already start looking towards the new year. What goals will guide you smoothly through the year-end crazy season? Strong leadership and proactive management practices ensure these seasonal changes are frictionless.
3. Polish the vision - realign leadership focus
Leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about keeping everyone inspired on the journey. A winter clean-up is the perfect moment to dust off the “why.” Leadership clarity fuels productivity. Reconnect with your team’s purpose and communicate the bigger picture clearly.
Take time to reflect on your own leadership presence. Are you showing up as the leader your team needs right now – clear, calm, decisive? Have you been too in the weeds or too hands-off? Resetting your own rhythm can have a powerful ripple effect on team culture and performance.
4. Prepare to bloom- set the stage for Q4 for beyond
Spring is almost here, now is the time to plant the seeds for Q4 and next year’s success. Now is the time to tidy up the loose ends, streamline the structure, and recharge the team spirit. Clarity is power. By the time the spring energy kicks in, your team will be lighter, sharper, and ready to thrive.
If you’re serious about tightening workflows and hitting year-end goals with confidence, the Project Management Fundamentals short course from IMM Institute is a smart step. It offers practical training on how to plan, prioritise, and manage tasks more efficiently, helping managers cut through bottlenecks, clarify responsibilities, and keep teams on track during high-pressure periods like Q3 and Q4.
Ready to do the work? Sweep out the stale, spotlight the strong, and step forward with purpose. Q4 is waiting
